Toledo artists will gather for tribute to legendary poet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local spoken-word artists, actors and community activists will hold a creative memorial to the iconic late musician Gil Scott-Heron at 7 p.m. July 7, 2011 at the Peacock Café, 2007 Monroe St. in Toledo.

         

The open-mic event will feature performers from the acclaimed New Works Writers Series theatrical troupe and is free to the public. University of Toledo professor Carter Wilson will co-host the special program, “Reflecting & Remembering: A Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron,” with Imelda Hunt, founder of New Works.

“As a performer, poet and recording artist, Gil Scott-Heron helped increase community consciousness in ways that very few other creative voices did,” says Hunt. “Our program will give Toledo’s arts community a chance to mourn his death and revisit the powerful messages in his body of work.”

Best-known for his signature 1970s spoken-word song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Scott-Heron died in New York May 27. His songs and poetry addressed the black experience in America and the challenges of living in urban social settings.

A Grammy Award nominee, Scott-Heron is regarded by many as the “godfather” of hip hop.

Writers, musicians, educators and the general public are encouraged to share their thoughts and work, or simply enjoy the program, Hunt says. For more information about “Reflecting & Remembering: A Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron,” please call (419) 343-2935 or e-mail director@newworkswritersseries.org.